MacKillop Chronicles Term 1, Week 10

With the conclusion of our Open Day and Kinder Connect morning, we want to remind you that our enrolment season is now underway. Currently we are accepting applications from families outside the MCC community, and it’s crucial to act quickly as interviews will be conducted in the coming weeks for all year groups beginning at MCC in 2026.

If you have other children in your family who you wish to enrol at the College, now is the time to submit your applications to secure their places. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

For more information about enrolments, please contact Mrs Farrell or Mrs Scarcella on 7256 2116 or via email smccwenrolments@dbb.org.au

Dear Parents,

Parent Engagement Team Talks & Consultation

I thank the parents who participated in our first two engagement sessions that focused on the academic care of students in the context of setting high and consistent expectations of our staff and students as a Team approach. The consultation process was extremely useful because it revealed some gaps in our thinking. We have now taken on board the feedback received from parents and have reviewed the document with new inclusions. Mr Luke Barry-Donnellan will now continue to work across the College with K-12 staff to ensure that we have an age and stage-appropriate document that supports a continuum of practice. We also thank our parents who provided feedback on the College newsletter.

I also thank our PEC, Lucy Marien, for the work that she is doing to support our families on their journey at MacKillop.

360 Consultation Survey

As part of engaging stakeholders, we have released multiple surveys harnessing the voice of students, staff, parents/carers and the Parish Pastoral Council. I thank the many people who have given us feedback on how we can best position improvement as we lay the foundations for the Baptism to Post-School Learning Journey. I will begin the process of collating this data with a view to writing a community report that will be shared with all stakeholders, including key staff in the Broken Bay Diocese.

Anzac Day Commemoration & March

Anzac Day remains a most solemn occasion on our national calendar as we commemorate the service of countless men and women who have served and continue to serve in the Navy, Army and Air Force.  This week, we had the privilege to listen to Mr Sullivan OAM, a Vietnam veteran who shared his personal journey with us and also listen to the beautifully crafted student-written composition, Son of Sailor by Nick Wasley, dedicated to his father. 

Families and students from K-12 are warmly invited to take part in the Anzac Day march held at Toukley. Students are to wear their College uniforms with blazers and are invited to wear the service medals of their family members or march with a framed photo of their loved ones who have served. The details are as follows: The march begins at the Toukley Mall and moves down the main street to the Garden of Remembrance at the Toukley RSL.  We ask that students gather in their school uniform at 9.30 am for a 9.45 am start.  College leaders in both Primary and Secondary are expected to attend and lay a wreath at the Toukley Cenotaph.

Holy Week

Holy Week is the most important week for Catholics and provides us with a reflection span of the final eight days of Jesus’ life—from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. It is astounding how much wisdom, insight and inspiration are available to us during this one week. Here is just a sample of what happens during Holy Week:

• Palm Sunday, Jesus triumphantly enters Jerusalem
• Monday of Holy Week, Jesus clears out the temple with a whip
• Tuesday of Holy Week, Jesus is anointed with oil at Bethany and preaches on the Mount of Olives
• Spy Wednesday, Jesus is betrayed by Judas
• Holy Thursday, Jesus celebrates the Last Supper, prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, and is arrested
• Good Friday, Jesus is sentenced to death, scourged, beaten, crucified, and dies on the Cross
• Holy Saturday, Jesus is buried in the tomb and descends into hell
• Easter Sunday, Jesus rises from the dead

These great moments in the life of the Church and the life of Jesus provide powerful lenses through which we can see our lives in a new way, expanding our understanding of ourselves and others. As we commemorate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, might we embrace his spirit of compassion and service, reaching out to all people of goodwill, regardless of faith, tradition, or background. Let us embody the love of Christ in our actions, bringing hope and healing to a world in need. May this most significant season in the Christian calendar be a time of renewal and transformation, as we walk hand in hand with God, guided by the light of His love. May we all find peace, hope, wisdom, and mercy in the embrace of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord.

Easter Prayer

Lord, Jesus Christ, You became human and took on the realities of humanity in our world. During Your life on earth, You gave hope, perspective and salvation to many. Your words are
challenging, uplifting, encouraging and guiding. At the end of your earthly life here in our world, You took upon yourself all suffering and made the cross a sign of hope. At this time when the whole world is suffering, when people are isolated and left to themselves when people mourn for their loved ones, where people are sacrificing their physical and psychological strength to help others, we pray in solidarity and entrust ourselves to You.

Amen.

May the hope of Easter fill your hearts with joy.

God Bless,

Tanya Appleby | College Principal

Palm Sunday and the Passion of the Lord

Gospel Acclamation: 

“Christ became obedient to us even to death, dying on a cross.  Therefore, God raised him on high and gave him a name above all other names.” Phil 2:8-9

Dear Parents and Carers,

Message from Head of Primary

I have spent the last three days on Camp with Year 6 in Canberra.  It was wonderful to spend time with these young people as they engaged with many of the landmarks our National capital has to offer.  I was impressed by their knowledge and willingness to respond and ask curious questions.  I acknowledge the challenges they faced being away from home and having to navigate their daily routines, negotiate shared spaces, and solve the problems of ‘lost’ socks/shoes/shirts, all without parental guidance.  It is a signal they are growing and building independence and resilience.  It was a packed schedule, but I thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and I hope the children may inspire their families to return to Canberra in the future.  I want to take this opportunity to thank the Year 6 teachers, Cathy Whitmore, Brian Colton and Allison Passafaro, as well as Tim Snelling, for their commitment to this student experience. Please enjoy some of the pictures of our trip in this newsletter.

The Easter weekend falls within our Autumn break this year.  For many, Easter signals a final summer camp or a road trip to relatives before the change of weather or the arrival of winter sporting competitions. For Christians and all Catholics the weekend is all about gathering and giving thanks for the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus, in the Easter Holy-days.

Holy Week is a tradition that draws us more closely into the mystery of Jesus’ death and Resurrection. The tradition and ceremony of each ritual allow believers to enter into the narrative of the Easter Triduum.  The three key days are meant to feel like one continuous ceremony.

The Thursday night Mass reenacts the Last Supper, the washing of the disciple’s feet and the Garden of Repose, symbolising Jesus’ waiting and praying fervently in the Garden.  Good Friday begins with the Stations of the Cross, following the footsteps of Jesus, from his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane to his burial in a stone tomb.  At 3 pm, around the time of day it is thought Jesus died, the Mass focuses on The Cross and its powerful role in holding the body of Jesus in His final human moments. The Easter Vigil on Saturday night begins in darkness with the blessing of the new light as the 2025 Pascal Candle is lit for the very first time. From this source, every person lights their own candle, because we are called to continue to be a ‘Light for the World’. We welcome new Catholics into the community as they complete their journey of preparation.  As Easter Sunday dawns, we give thanks in many ways, exchanging gifts of Easter Eggs, which represent the new life won for us by Jesus, chocolate rabbits to show the abundance of the season (in a Northern Hemisphere spring) and perhaps a lamb roast to celebrate Jesus as our Pascal lamb.  Most importantly we spend time with family, giving thanks for the many blessings we share and traditions we hold dear. 

May you spend your Easter break with those you love; please take care on the roads and return safely to MacKillop on Wednesday, April 30th, following our Staff Development Days on Monday, April 28^th and Tuesday, April 29th.

Blessings for a wonderful Autumn break and a Happy and Holy Easter

Kerry Power | Head of Primary 

A Journey Through History, Politics, and Nature.

This year’s Year 6 camp took us on an unforgettable journey to the heart of Australia’s capital, Canberra. Packed with history, politics, and adventure, the camp was an opportunity to explore some of the country’s most iconic landmarks.

Day 1: Democracy, Voting, and More!

We kicked off our adventure with a visit to the Australian Electoral Commission.   The Electoral Commission was a real eye-opener! We learned about how voting works in Australia and even got a chance to try our hand at casting ballots. After all, we are the future voters of the country, and it was cool to see what goes on behind the scenes when elections are held.

Next, we were off to the Museum of Australian Democracy. Stepping into history, we explored how Australia’s democracy came to be, from the early days of Federation to modern times. The museum was full of interactive displays, where we could see the evolution of Australian politics and the important people who shaped our nation’s democracy.

Then, we visited Questacon in Canberra; we had an exciting evening filled with hands-on science exhibits and interactive displays. We explored the Earthquake House, watched mind-blowing experiments, and the "Excite" exhibit, which had thrilling activities like the free-fall slide. We also learned about physics, space, and the environment through fun and engaging activities. It was a fantastic experience where we could play, discover, and learn all at once perfect for curious Year 6 students like us!

Day 2: History, Nature, and Politics in the Capital

The second day of camp was packed with even more incredible sights. First stop: Exploring the National Capital Exhibition: Canberra’s Journey to Becoming Our Capital.  The exhibition told the story of how Canberra became the capital city of Australia – a story that was as fascinating as it was important. We got to explore displays that shared the history, events, and key people involved in the creation of this modern, planned city. The exhibition highlighted the work of Walter Burley Griffin and his wife, Marion, the masterminds behind the design of Canberra. It was amazing to learn that Canberra’s layout wasn’t just randomly planned but was carefully designed with nature in mind.

Afterwards, we visited the National War Memorial, where we paid tribute to the brave men and women who have served Australia. The atmosphere was moving and respectful, and we all had time to reflect on the sacrifices made for our freedom. The museum and surrounding gardens were a peaceful spot to take a moment to appreciate Australia’s history.

Next, we headed over to Parliament House, where we learned how the government runs. We saw the chambers where politicians debate and make decisions, and some of us even sat in the very seats where members of Parliament make history! To top off our political day, we walked through the stunning National Botanical Gardens, a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

Day 3: The Thrill of Sport and the Long Journey Home

On our final day, we visited the Australian Institute of Sport. We had the chance to see where some of Australia’s top athletes train and even tried out some fitness challenges ourselves. From running on treadmills to testing our strength, it was amazing to learn about the hard work and dedication that goes into becoming an elite athlete.

After the excitement of the Institute, it was time to pack up and head home to Warnervale. The bus ride was filled with laughter, stories, and a few sleepy heads. We may have been tired, but we were all buzzing from the incredible experiences and the memories we’d made over the past three days.

This year’s Year 6 camp was an educational and fun-filled adventure. From learning about democracy and politics to exploring Australia’s history and natural beauty, it was a perfect blend of learning and fun. We returned with new knowledge, a deeper appreciation for our country, and a bunch of stories to tell.

This week marks the end of the Sacramental program for our First Holy Communion and Reconciliation candidates. We congratulate and pray for them as they take the final steps on their Sacramental journey. On Monday, we held a heartfelt liturgy to remember ANZAC Day where our students reflected on the bravery and sacrifices of our service men and women. Together, we prayed for peace and took a moment to remember their courage and dedication.

As we prepare for the upcoming school holidays and Holy Week, we continue our Lenten journey. This is a time for all of us to reflect on the passion of Jesus and what His resurrection means for our lives. The end of Lent invites us to renew our faith, looking forward to the joy that Easter brings.

We’re excited for the whole College Easter Liturgy this Friday. It will be a beautiful opportunity for us to come together in prayer, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus and the hope it brings to all of us.

We also want to take a moment to thank everyone for their incredible generosity during Harmony Week. Your support for Project Compassion will make a real difference in the lives of those in need, while the Easter Egg donations will bring smiles to the residents of our local nursing homes. Your kindness truly reflects the love and compassion we are all called to share.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and blessed Easter. Thank you for being part of such a caring and supportive community at MacKillop.

Tim Snelling | Religious Education Coordinator K - 6

Winter Uniform

Please be aware that all students will move to Winter uniform the day after Mather’s Day (Monday 12^th May).  Winter uniform is to be worn from Mother’s Day through to Father’s Day unless otherwise instructed.  Please consult the  Uniform and Grooming Policy for Winter uniform details.

You can purchase any items needed via the online portal of the Alinta uniform shop. Or visit the College uniform shops in Week 1 Term 2.

Dear families,

Our annual Mother’s Day Stall will be held on Tuesday 6 May, Term 2.

Just a reminder that the stall is CASH ONLY.  I recommend sending the exact money in a zip lock bag with your child’s name on it for their gifts. 

If you would like to purchase Raffle tickets, a separate zip lock bag with this money is a good idea so it doesn’t get confused with the gift money.

We have some AMAZING prizes for our raffle this year, including a $50 voucher and product pack from Wildfire Day Spa at Kooindah Waters valued at a total of $174, a $250 gift voucher from Silver & Stone for a jewellery workshop, and more.

Our Raffle is open for all families, K-12 to purchase tickets.

If Secondary students would like tickets, please purchase them from the COLA on Tuesday, 6 May, during Break 1; again, this is cash only for $2 each or 3 for $5.

The Raffle will be drawn at the Primary assembly on Friday 9 May.

I look forward to welcoming all our families to our Mother’s Day Breakfast and Liturgy on Friday 9 May.

Breakfast will begin at 7 am in the COLA.  The Liturgy will be held in the Church at 7.30 am.  Breakfast will continue after the Liturgy.  Primary school classes will be open for families to visit after the morning assembly.

We would love all our mums and mother figures to be part of our Mother’s Day slideshow, which will be shown during the Liturgy.  Please forward a digital photo (jpg or png) of you and your child/children to zoe.farrell@dbb.catholic.edu.au. All photos must be received by Friday, 2 May, to be included in the slideshow.

Please confirm your attendance for catering purposes here: Mother's Day Breakfast RSVP

Enjoy the school holiday break.  Take time to refresh and reset and enjoy family time over Easter.

Best regards,

Lucy Marien  |  Parent Engagement Coordinator K- 12

As we come to the end of the school term and will be enjoying outdoor activities during the holidays like biking, skateboarding, or riding scooters, safety should always be a top priority. One of the most important ways to protect yourself while on the road or trail is by wearing a helmet.

Helmets are designed to absorb impact, protect your head, and significantly reduce the risk of serious injury in case of an accident. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head injury.

It's not just about protecting yourself—wearing a helmet sets a good example for others, especially younger riders. And it’s not just about style; it's about saving lives.

So next time you're heading out, remember to strap on your helmet. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference in ensuring you stay safe and enjoy your ride.

E-bikes

Bicycles that meet the requirements for permitted e-bikes can be used on public roads and road-related areas. Find out more about the rules for children in our fact sheet E-bikes: Advice for families

Find out more about keeping your child safe in the road environment in these fact sheets.

First Holy Communion

With First Holy Communion just around the corner, I’d like to share Mary’s Faithful Wardrobe with the community. We offer a beautiful collection of sacramental garments that are available to borrow for your child’s special day. If you’re in need of a garment, please see the details below.

Blessings,

Lucy Marien | Parent Engagement Coordinator

ANZAC Service – A Time for Reflection and Gratitude 

On Monday, 7 April, our community gathered for a moving ANZAC Service, honouring the service and sacrifice of our past and present defence forces. It was a powerful opportunity for students, staff, and the wider community to reflect on the values of courage, mateship, and resilience that define the ANZAC spirit. 

A special thank you to Mr Kevin Sullivan OAM, for his insightful and heartfelt address as our keynote speaker. His words reminded us of the importance of remembrance and the enduring legacy of those who have served our nation. We also extend our gratitude to all those who contributed to making the service such a meaningful occasion, including our student leaders, musicians, choir, staff, and guests who came together to pay tribute. 

A particularly touching moment in the service was a musical performance by Year 11 student Nicholas, who composed and performed an original tribute to his father titled "Son of a Sailor." Nicholas' heartfelt lyrics and moving performance brought a personal and emotional depth to the ceremony, reminding us of the sacrifices made not only by those who serve but also by the families who support them. 

As we continue to honour the ANZAC legacy, we invite all students to join the College at the Toukley RSL march on ANZAC Day. Several College staff will be in attendance, and we encourage students to participate in this important community event. ANZAC Day serves as a powerful reminder of the freedoms we enjoy today and the courage of those who came before us. 

Lest we forget.

End of Term

As Term 1 draws to a close, I take this opportunity to thank our staff, students and our College community for a highly productive ten weeks.  We are constantly striving for improvement at MacKillop and I’m confident we’ve taken several positive steps forward across Term 1.  Some improvements happen at a policy and process level, others will take time to bear fruit, and some reap immediate benefits. 

What’s most important to me is that we never settle for “that’s good enough”.  Schools are dynamic places with an extraordinary number of moving parts, and it takes a combined effort to ensure they deliver the very best learning outcomes for our students.  If you rest on your laurels, it is inevitable that you’ll go backwards, and I feel blessed to be in a school where so many people are committed to continuous improvement.

Make no mistake, striving for improvement comes with enormous challenges.  One of the biggest challenges is establishing a culture of high expectations across the whole College.  It relies on everyone buying into the direction and setting the bar high for our students.  It can’t be achieved through words alone or through sporadic periods of increased activity.  Building a culture of high expectations takes time, unwavering effort, and sometimes blind faith.

We undoubtedly have more challenges ahead, but I know that we have a school full of students with incredible potential.  It is incumbent on us to ensure that their potential is realised and that will only happen if we set a high standard for their learning, their behaviour, their social and emotional development, their level of engagement and their connection to the College.

Thank you again for your ongoing support of the College during Term 1.  Wishing you a joyful Easter filled with love, laughter, and cherished moments. 

Staff News

Maryellen Lowe has decided to step down from her current leadership position as K-12 Learner Diversity Lead and transition into a classroom Learner Diversity Teacher role, effective from Term 2.

Maryellen’s contribution to the College and particularly the students in her care over several years cannot be overstated.  Her genuine care for all the students she works with is obvious, as is her willingness to support parents and staff within our community.  We are very grateful that she will stay on in her role as a Learner Diversity Teacher and without doubt, her positive influence will continue to impact all those she works with.

God bless,

Paul Lynch | Head of Secondary

This term, some of our Year 7 and 8 classes have taken part in a special book review project to share their love of reading with their classmates.

They wrote reviews of books they’ve read this term, focusing on things like the main themes, characters, and their own impressions and ratings. These reviews were posted on the digital platform Padlet, helping to inspire other students to check out new books and get into reading!

Jacquiline Crowe | Teacher Librarian K - 12

Each year your child will receive an Interim Report giving you insights into their progress during the term. These reports include a learner disposition profile for each of your child’s subjects.  

What is a learner disposition? 

Dispositions in education refer to attitudes, beliefs and values that help to shape a student's behaviour and actions in a learning environment. They encompass a wide range of characteristics that can be developed and nurtured over time.  

 What is the purpose of supporting students to achieve these? 

Dispositions are essential because they affect how teachers interact with students and how students engage with learning and opportunities. This will lead to improved student motivation and overall academic success. This will also have an impact on student’s future careers and contribute to their ability to become confident, innovative, compassionate and future-ready people. 

Interim and Semester Reports 

Both Interim and Semester Reports evaluate your child’s learner dispositions using three levels: “Working Beyond,” “Working At,” and “Working Towards.” Teachers will assess these dispositions using a rubric.  

At this stage in the year, the Interim Reports will generally reflect student's dispositions as “Working Towards” or “Working At.” This indicates that students are actively developing the skills and attitudes needed to progress. Over time, and with support, the goal is for students to further strengthen these dispositions, enabling them to excel academically and personally. 

Below is an indication of the learner dispositions, the purpose of the disposition and a general guide for families of what this may look like for the students.  

Please see the attached link for the rubric.  This rubric has been designed to allow students to understand what they need to do to be successful.

Alexandra Walters  | Deputy Head of Student Achievement 7-12

As term one finishes with the College Cross Country, selections for CSBB and Metropolitan Rugby League teams for boys and girls. The College has seen 13 students being selected either into CSBB, NSW CCC or NSW ALL Schools teams. A fantastic start to the year.

How can a student represent MacKillop?

Sign-ups will be sent via Compass where the student will register. The Coach (teacher) will hold a meeting / trials / training to then select teams.

What’s next?

The Student - will need making meetings / selection trials / training sessions

If a student’s behaviour at school has been on going there will be less likely for him / her to represent the College. If a student is selected into a team and is unfortunately suspended from school (internally or externally) they will not be able to represent the College or the Pathway (CSBB or NSW CCC teams). This occurs in all schools, this is not just Mackillop. Thank you for your understanding.

The College’s major carnivals Swimming (completed), Cross Country (completed) and our College Athletics will be held on the 18^th June 2025 at Mingara Athletics Centre.

The Age champions and house champions are yet to be known. They will be finalised by end of Term 2.

CSBB (Catholic schools Broken Bay Sport)

The last two weeks saw students represent the College in Individual Rugby League Trials, U15 Netball.

While individual students will have the opportunity to trial as individual’s for Under 15 Boys and Under 16 girls Rugby League teams and under 15 girls Netball. While at these tournaments / selections, the students can have the opportunity to be selected into Catholic Schools Broken Bay (CSBB) teams, New South Wales Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) teams.

The following students were selected in the CSBB Rugby League teams

Under 15 Boys - Javier C

Under 18 Girls – Tyra F and Fa’alagilangi (Lagi) B

Under 18 Boys – Keanu M

These trials have just concluded, and students will be notified shortly if they were successful on their selections into the Metropolitan team.

NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC)

Throughout the year students will have the more opportunity to be selected into NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) teams. There are 2 ways on being selected into these teams.

The first, via school representation students will be selected into the College team then selected to represent CSBB Broken Bay team at the NSW CCC carnival, where A NSW Combined Catholic Colleges team will be selected.

The second way is by a student registering as an individual. This can be achieved by registering via the CSNSW Sport portal  https://csnsw.sport/ .

CSBB and NSW CCC Team Representation News

Most selections start at age 15.

Dear Parents and Carers,

On Thursday, 1 May, at St Edwards East Gosford. You, and your child will have the chance to connect with 36 expert exhibitors ready to help navigate their future pathway. Whether your child is set on a career path or still exploring options, there’s something here for everyone!

Early University Entry? We’ve Got You Covered! The University Admissions Centre (UAC) is hosting a virtual info session on Wednesday, 30 April, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Parents who selected UAC during registration will receive an email with the link. Don’t miss this chance to learn how early entry works!

Find the Right Exhibitors for You:

Looking into apprenticeships & traineeships? Chat with:

• Australian Defence Force
• North Construction and Building
• Central Coast Group Training
• Central Coast Council
• Crossmuller
• MEGT
• TAFE NSW
• Karben Training Solutions

Thinking about a gap year? Speak to:

• CCUSA
• Australian Defence Force

Exploring further education? Connect with:

• Australian Defence Force
• Australian Catholic University
• Avondale University
• Campion College
• International College of Management Sydney
• JMC Academy
• Macquarie University
• The Hotel School, Australia
• University of Newcastle
• University of Tasmania
• Sydney Design School
• Sydney Fashion School
• The University of Notre Dame
• Torrens University
• University of Wollongong
• The University of Technology Sydney
• TAFE NSW
• The Grove Studios
• The Australian College of Physical Education
• The University of NSW
• Australian Maritime College

Need employment support for a child with special needs? Talk to:

• Omnia Inclusive Employment Solutions

Want short courses for quick employment? Check out:

• TAFE NSW
• Karben Training Solutions

Interested in Engineering? Speak with:

• Engineers Australia
• University representatives

Curious about high-demand jobs? Find out more from:

• The Hotel School
• Engineers Australia
• Teach NSW

Considering a career in medicine or dentistry? Connect with:

• National Institute of Education
• University of Newcastle
• Macquarie University
• The University of NSW

Not sure what to ask? Try this!

If your child is unsure about their future, ask: "My child is interested in ….., excels at ….., and their favourite subject is …... What courses or pathways would you suggest?"

If your child knows their dream career, ask: "My child wants to be a …... What course or degree do they need? Do they need an ATAR? If so, what is it? What happens if they don’t get the required ATAR—are there alternative pathways? Are there any high school subjects they should consider (especially for Year 10 students)? Does the course offer real-world experience with employers? What are the job prospects after graduation? How do they apply?"

Check out the full list of exhibitors here!

And don’t forget to register while you’re there!

We look forward to seeing you there.

Dennis Gasparotto | Leader of Learning VET and Careers Adviser

The fabulous new MCC backpacks have arrived. Preordered backpacks should have been received now but there are a large number ready and waiting to be purchased from the Uniform Shop for $100. They are ergonomically designed to distribute the weight of books and laptops as well as last for the years of schooling ahead.

Following is information and a link to register for a webinar targeted to students with ADHD in Year 12. This may be beneficial to students at your schools.

Monday 21 or Tuesday 29 May 7:00-8:30 pm AEST

This webinar will share insights and practical solutions for managing this critical year and beyond and making meaningful career decisions. If students cannot make it a recording will be sent to all ticket holders. Although it is interactive, students will remain anonymous on the webinar.

TOPICS COVERED

1. Redefining success- What is it to YOU?
2. Finding and owning your ADHD strengths
3. Discovering what careers are aligned to your strengths
4. Understanding the options for tertiary studies based on your interests and strengths
5. Exploring the pathway options available and ways to get there using Action Plans
6. Early Entry Considerations
7. Quick guide to Educational Access Schemes (EAS) and adjustment points
8. What is Procrastination- and how to tackle it?
9. How to deal with stress and staying calm
10. How to use technology to your advantage with ADHD
11. Q&A

There is a cost of $42.

https://events.humanitix.com/year-12-and-beyond-with-adhd-student-webinar

The Vacation Care programs offer a wide range of activities catering to children of different ages, interests and needs. We also head out and about on a range of local excursions.

They provide a stimulating environment that is filled with enjoyable activities that harness the children’s interests and strengths while respecting their need for leisure.

To register www.catholiccaredbb.org.au/vacation-care

Adolescence is a period of massive physical, emotional, social and cognitive change that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. Parents and carers play a crucial role in supporting young people to navigate this life stage. Join us for an insightful and empowering webinar focused on providing strategies and resources to help you in supporting your teen.

Delivered by a Clinical Psychologist facilitator, and Black Dog Institute lived experience presenter, we will explore:

• How to make sense of adolescence
• Identify signs of mental health struggles.
• Understand how to support your teen.
• Know where you and your teen can get support.

This webinar is free and open to all parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in supporting the mental health of teens in their care. Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey towards greater well-being for you and your family!

Register at The Black Dog Institute

Camps are an integral part of school life. Away from the daily classroom, teachers and students have an opportunity to engage in new experiences and master new skills.

Listed below are tentative camp dates for 2025. Please consider these dates when booking holidays or other leave requests to take your child/ren out of school. As camps are compulsory school events, we are unable to credit or refund camp costs for non-attendance.

Year 5                 29 October to 31 October 2025

Year 6                 7 April to 9 April 2025

Year 7                 14 May to 16 May 2025

Year 9                 15 - 17 September 2025 // New date

Year 10              28 July to 29 July 2025

Year 11              3 November to 5 November 2025

Friday 31 January  – Student Free Day/ Staff Development Day
Monday 3 February – Year 7 and Year 1-6 First Day back at school. New students Years 8-11 (morning session) Kindergarten Assessments
Tuesday 4 February – Year 8-12 First Day back at school.  Kindergarten Assessments
Wednesday 5 February – First Day Kindergarten
Friday 11 April – Last Day Term 1

For the most up to date information please refer to Compass